National parks are popular travel destinations, and with COVID-19 still present, the distancing quality of being in a park holds appeal for many wishing to escape the confines of the quarantine. According to one survey, 24% of Americans planning on road-tripping this summer have national parks on their mind. The 52 million acres of national park space have not opened up to their full capacity, however, and lots of programming across the nation has been cut in order to discourage large gatherings. Some of the more dangerous trails are closed as well due to fear of contamination from visitors who might hold onto safety chains or railings. Many transportation options have been cut, a choice that makes the inner, unpaved portions of the parks less accessible. Each park is undergoing reopening phases at their own pace, the speed mostly a reflection of what the local government is permitting and the status of COVID-19 in the area. The National Park Service has publicly urged visitors to abide by social distancing guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus and protect park employees. Many of these parks are located in rural areas that lack extensive hospital care, so an uptick in COVID-19 cases could have devastating effects.
Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming
A hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. Aidan B. Unsplash.
Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park and a destination for millions of tourists each year. Accordingly, the park typically offers a wide assortment of attractions including an abundance of flora and fauna, 12 campgrounds, and nine visitor centers. Perhaps its most well-known assets are the Old Faithful geyser and the park’s numerous hot springs. Yellowstone reevaluated its spring opening dates after the initial COVID-19 outbreak, pushing its first major phase of reopening from a typical mid-April date to May 18. The park had been closed since March 24 and is now directing visitors toward a few specific entrances as well as limiting them to certain areas (the lower loop) of the park. Additional constraints include the unavailability of overnight accommodations including hotels and campgrounds, the banning of commercial tour buses, and closed ranger programs and visitor centers. As the park progresses into reopening phases 2 and 3, some of these restrictions are expected to loosen, such as the opening of some overnight rooms, takeaway at some on-site restaurants, and select campgrounds. While some of the regulations are done as a response to multiple state guidelines (Yellowstone spills into Montana and Idaho), a Yellowstone website states that “The park’s reopening priorities center on protecting employees and the public from transmission risks through a variety of mitigation actions.”
Arches National Park - Utah
Delicate Arch, one of the top sites at Arches National Park. Holger Link. Unsplash.
Arches National Park, located on the eastern side of Utah near the city of Moab, is home to the famous stone marvel known as the Delicate Arch. The park also has numerous hiking opportunities, additional stone icons, and scenic drives. Although the park was closed for many weeks after the virus broke out, Arches resumed entrance fee collection (seven-day passes ranging from $15 to $30) on June 15 as part of a multiphased reopening process. While the Arches Visitor Center, Devils Garden Campground and Fiery Furnace remain closed, the roads, trails and park store are now permitting visitors. One major concern for those running the park is the congregation of visitors around popular landmarks like the Delicate Arch. Although the park has not issued any explicit policies banning congregations of visitors around hot spots like the arch, the National Park Service is following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The park has stated that it is actively monitoring visitors and encouraging them to wear masks and social distance in addition to following the park’s standard Leave No Trace principles.
Joshua Tree National Park - Southern California
A snapshot of some yucca trees in Joshua Tree National Park. Fum Bally. Unsplash.
Joshua Tree has two distinct deserts (the Mojave and Sonoran) and is known for its iconic giant yucca trees. This rocky 794,000-acre park, located in Southern California, receives 2.8 million visitors during a typical year. Like many other national parks, Joshua Tree is undergoing a multiphased reopening plan that began in late May. Despite some modifications, Joshua Tree has listed many open amenities on their website, including entrance booths, trails, family campsites, visitor centers and group campsites (25 person limit). The park is not running any programs this year.
Redwood National Park - Northern California
Some impressive redwood trees in Redwood National Park. James Lee. Unsplash.
Redwood National Park is named for the giant redwood trees throughout the area, the tallest of which is recorded to be over 379 feet tall. Most of the park is free and almost half a million visitors come to enjoy its beauty each year. In a state with nine national parks, this one is a standout. All five visitor centers are currently closed at Redwood National Park, as are some roads and parking lots. The park is not holding any on-site events or outdoor school programs, instead requesting that everyone spread out while visiting. The park asks that everyone be prepared to take home their trash as well. Nevertheless, visitors can still enjoy most of the campgrounds, trails and a number of scenic drives.
Acadia National Park - Maine
A lake view at Acadia National Park. Michael Loftus. Unsplash.
Acadia is located along coastal Maine and is in close proximity to a number of quaint restaurants, museums and hotels. Visitors can take scenic drives, investigate numerous lakes and wooded areas, and take boats out on the water. There is even a portion of the park that is accessible mainly by ferry. Acadia, like many other parks, is currently undergoing a multiphased reopening plan. While most hiking trails and retail services are open, campgrounds are not. If visitors are feeling down about being unable to camp overnight, they can still have a memorable experience and go for a horse-drawn carriage ride instead.
Valley Forge National Historical Park - Pennsylvania
The sun rises over Valley Forge National Historical Park. Thomas James Caldwell. CC BY-SA 2.0
Valley Forge is rich with history and greenery as it is the location where Gen. George Washington kept the Continental Army for six months in 1777 and 1778. During a typical year, visitors participate in a number of recreational activities such as trolley tours, visiting Washington’s headquarters, and investigating the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts. As the park undergoes a slow reopening process, these buildings and facilities, including visitor centers, have remained closed. Some parking lots, roads and trails are open, however, and visitors are encouraged to take their trash with them in addition to practicing social distancing. Programs and events have not been officially canceled and are just postponed.
Big Bend National Park - Texas
A view of the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. Kyle Glenn. Unsplash.
Big Bend National Park is situated in West Texas and covers over 800,000 acres of land. Named after the U-turn in the Rio Grande, this national park has a range of terrain including desert, mountains and rivers. The park does not receive many visitors - only about 350,000 per year - but it does have an excess of heat, with temperatures passing 100 degrees Fahrenheit before noon in the summertime. The park is fairly open, including day hike trails and rafting on the Rio Grande. The visitor centers and some stores are closed, as are the more “primitive roadside” campsites for backpackers. Camping and lodging are at limited capacity but expect a greater degree of reopening in the near future.
Phoebe Jacoby
is a Media Studies major and Studio Art minor at Vassar College who believes in the importance of sharing stories with others. Phoebe likes to spend her free time reading, drawing, and writing letters. She hopes to continue developing her skills as a writer and create work that will have a positive outward effect.